TFC's new recruit didn't expect to join MLS this soon, but says he was "done" with everything Europe had to offer ...

TORONTO – It sounds strange, Gregory van der Wiel admits, but Major League Soccer might be “10 years ahead” of most European leagues.

“It’s way different from Europe,” TFC’s newest signing said Monday at the club’s BMO Training Ground. “It sounds a bit crazy because the level (of play) is probably higher over there.”

Higher, sure. But as the 30-year-old Dutchman explained, playing at the top level, in a top league, with some of the biggest clubs, alongside the world’s best players, doesn’t shield you from kind of nonsense van der Wiel put up with at his previous two clubs.

Following lengthy tenures at Ajax and Paris Saint-Germain, van der Wiel signed a four-year mega-deal in 2016 with Turkish side Fenerbahce, where his career and life began to unravel.

“The club treated me not well,” van der Wiel explained, adding Fenerbahce staff didn’t bother treating a stomach injury he contended with for three months after his arrival.

He also claims he was defrauded of $4.5 million by a close Turkish confidant.

“I wanted to invest some money … but it was not a smart move,” van der Wiel added. “I trusted somebody. At the end, I never saw my money back. That was a bad experience.”

Suddenly, after playing in a World Cup final and competing alongside the likes of then-PSG stars Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Blaise Matuidi, soccer lost its “pleasure,” van der Wiel said.

A short-term move to Serie A minnow Cagliari failed to act as a quick fix. The ex-Dutch international says he still doesn’t know why coach Diego Lopez benched him for 10 straight games prior to his move to Toronto FC for a transfer fee of roughly $200,000.

“It was the right time to make this step,” van der Wiel said of moving to MLS. “Maybe it was a bit earlier than I expected, but that’s how my life went. I’m a bit tired of being judged … on my private life.”

Van der Wiel circled back Monday to one of his utmost gripes with playing in Europe: He’s tired of being criticized for what he chooses to do in-between Saturdays.

Van der Wiel to often received backlash from fans for modelling next to his long-time girlfriend, Rose Bertram, and entering into other business ventures in his private life.

“He has other ventures and other things,” coach Greg Vanney told reporters. “Nobody that we’ve run into has said it’s a distraction. But in some other cultures, it’s not even an option.”

Vanney also compared van der Wiel’s arrival to TFC’s other European imports. Spanish midfielder Victor Vazquez arrived following an unhappy spell at Mexico City’s Cruz Azul and defender Chris Mavinga had a rough stay at Russia’s Rubin Kazan. Both players reiterated throughout last season their contentment after joining Toronto FC.

“I’ve been many times to this side of the ocean,” van der Wiel added. “What I’ve picked up is the mentality of how the people live with their sport, the professionalism you have here.”

Tuesday’s Toronto Sun sports cover.

The true test, though, will be whether van der Wiel can repay the favour on the field. The Reds have provided him with a chance not just to rediscover his passion, but to reignite a career that veered off course.

“Between his quality and flexibility and soccer intelligence it gives us a lot of opportunity and really increases the quality and level of our play,” Vanney said of his newest addition.

Van der Wiel is said to be reasonably fit despite having not started a match since December. He’ll be with the Reds as they depart for Mexico City Tuesday to resume preseason training.

There’s currently no barrier to van der Wiel playing in TFC’s Champions League opener.

“Physically he’s ready,” Vanney said. “We’ll get a couple of games with him in Mexico. In my ideal scenario, he’ll be ready to provide whatever minutes we need when the series starts.”

After pointing out the major differences he sees between playing in Europe and MLS, van der Wiel whispered another revelation as he exited Monday’s press availability.

“The first fullback to wear No. 9,” he said with a slight look of confusion.

The lack of stringent footballing order has to be somewhat refreshing.

VAN DER WIEL PASSES ON STAYING IN EUROPE

Gregory van der Wiel had options to stay in Europe, but ultimately spurned those deals after hearing Toronto FC’s pitch for him to cross the pond before his 30th birthday.

“It’s about a project. It’s not about just winning games on Saturday,” TFC GM Tim Bezbatchenko said Monday afternoon as he sat next to his newest signing.

“It’s about what are you trying to accomplish with your career. What environment do you want for yourself as well as your family? In many ways, Toronto FC and MLSE can deliver at every level. I say that even on the world stage.

“Between our organization and the staff we have … we’re really proud of the way our staff has grown and really tried to reach the highest level.”

In order to close, though, Bezbatchenko said he requests all free agent signings board a flight prior to signing.

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